What can Pedestrians do After Being Struck by a Car in Hammond, Indiana?

February 6, 2024

While you’re spending time in Hammond, you might enjoy navigating the city by foot. There are many great things to see and do within walking distance of each other.  

The vast majority of Hoosiers are cautious people and understand the risks of crossing the street. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone driving on the road is paying attention.  

If you were struck by a motor vehicle driver and injured, do you know what to do? 

Car accidents on their own can cause a lot of damage and harm when everyone involved is in a vehicle. However, pedestrians who are struck by vehicles can sustain even more serious injuries and possibly even pass away.  

It’s a very serious situation. If this happened to you, you have options and you’re not alone. 

Whenever you’re ready to talk, our team of Hammond personal injury lawyers are here for you. Day or night, someone will be available to speak with you about your case. That’s part of our commitment to client accessibility.  

Send us a message online, chat with us, or call 317-472-3333 if you prefer. Hensley Legal Group cares about you and your well-being. 

Comparative fault could still play a role in these types of accidents

It’s very important for motor vehicle operators to understand that pedestrians always have the right of way. This is true in the state of Indiana and across the United States.  

In other words, if you were hit by a motor vehicle while walking, they will likely bear the majority of the blame. However, Indiana is an at-fault state. This means that the judge could possibly determine that your actions contributed to the accident.  

There could be any number of actions that the courts could determine contributed to the accident. Some of these factors could include:  

• Failing to use a proper pedestrian crosswalk while crossing the street 
• Failing to watch out for traffic  
• Walking distracted, such as texting while walking 
• Stumbling into traffic after consuming drugs, alcohol, or anything that impairs your judgment 

In most personal injury cases where a driver strikes a pedestrian, courts will find the driver responsible for paying damages. But if the courts deem you were partly at fault for the accident too, you will receive less compensation than you would if the driver were found fully to blame.  

Keep in mind that each personal injury case is different. If you have questions, consulting with your Hammond personal injury lawyer is a very wise idea. The right lawyer will be able to answer your questions in language that is easy to understand so you can make the right decisions for your case. 

Serious injuries can stem from car accidents

As you can probably guess, pedestrians that are struck by motor vehicles may sustain injuries. Injuries can vary based on a wide variety of factors, including speed.  

If you are ever hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian, we sincerely hope that your injuries are minor. But be aware that any of the following injuries could potentially happen:  

• Broken bones and fractures  
• Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries 
• Crushed body parts and potential loss of limbs 
• Internal bleeding and organ damage 
• Death 

Pedestrians who survive their injuries can face a long journey when it comes to recovering after the accident. Survivors may need lengthy surgeries, physical therapy, and continuous care. Some survivors may even be unable to work again and may need full-time care.  

On top of that, survivors may also need mental health care to navigate the traumatic event. Even after physical injuries heal, mental injuries can sometimes last for much longer. 

As you can imagine, these healthcare services can be quite expensive. The vast majority of Hoosiers aren’t prepared to handle emergency expenses like these. But luckily, this is where personal injury lawyers can step in and lend a hand. 

Contact our Hammond, Indiana office when you’re ready to talk

Choosing to pursue a personal injury claim against someone who injured you can be a huge step. Working with a Hammond personal injury lawyer is one of the best things you can do to maximize your chances of recovering compensation.

Hospital bills can add up very quickly. If you choose not to pursue a personal injury claim, it could be incredibly difficult to pay them off.  

We want you to know that we’re here to help you after your accident in Hammond, Indiana. We understand just how scary the situation can be and will help in any way that we possibly can. 

Give us a call at 317-472-3333, send us a message through our website, or chat with him. Someone from our team will speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We understand that your schedule can be hectic, so we want to be as accessible as possible for you.